Ariela Yankelewitz, Our Founder

"At Aqua Vitae Institute, we believe that alcohol is good! We celebrate the rich history and virtues of spirits and educate bartenders and consumers alike to respect the trade, perfect the craft, and drink with joy"

We are the first center dedicated to training and empowering both sides of the bar: The bartender and the guest. Aqua Vitae Institute prides itself on teaching people the Joy of Alcohol and on working with the most creative and inspiring people in the bar industry.

From Flair Maestros to Sommeliers and Brewing Masters, our instructors are some of the most specialized mixologists in the Philadelphia area. Many of the instructors at Aqua Vitae Institute are members of the United States Bartending Guild (USBG) and compete nationwide in bartending competitions.

MEET THE TEAM

Ori Geshury, Director of Education/CoFounder

>> Ori Geshury, Director of Education

Sharing information, spreading knowledge, and having fun is Ori's full time job. From your first interview at our Institute, to your graduation, he is your advocate.

Ori has written the official Aqua Vitae Institute text book and has written contributing articles for South Jersey Magazine, Signature 9, ABC News, and Philadelphia Weekly.

He has also designed drinks for numerous venues including Patron, Mole Street, North 3rd, and The Spruce Foundation.

>>Luciano Spensierato, Flair Instructor

With more than 18 years of Flair Bartending Experience, Luciano knows A LOT about working flair! He's worked in Italy and in the U.S., in Fine Dining, and in Nightclubs, and has been able to use flair in all of those environments, and will be able to teach you to do the same!